Tai Chi

What is Tai Chi for kids?

Imagine a classroom where students have learned to focus on the work but are relaxed, have developed the self-confidence they need to proceed, have a reasonable level of fitness, muscle tone and balance, are free of excessive fears and anxiety.

Imagine a child whom you love having these same skills.

It can be achieved.
For thousands of years,the Chinese have been using
simple exercises,focused breathing, internal focus and
concentration to achieve total health: mental, emotional and physical.

Recent studies have shown remarkable results of tai chi practice: A study at the University of Miami, Touch Research Institute showed that adolescents with ADHD showed improved behavior, less daydreaming and hyperactivity after 10 sessions.

The American Journal of Medicine and Sports, (Vol III, Number II, March/April 2001) lists a series of studies showing that tai chi can improve concentration, focus, performance, physical and emotional balance, can reduce blood pressure, anxiety and depression, can improve reactions to stressful situations and can improve our overall health by enhancing our immune system.

Studies have shown a relationship between physical activity and development of self-esteem, particularly with adolescents and children with special needs. In our society, where we find that physical education classes are often cut from the budget, I like to think of children doing TAI CHI MOVES everyday in class. "Gruber, J.J. (1986) American Academy of Physical Education papers. Vol 19, pp 30-48".

A series of studies have shown how Tai Chi helps students who exhibit violence or aggressive behavior. This is particularly effective at middle school level. (2002 Adolescence. Vol 36, Issue 143) (Adolescence. Volume 33, Issue 1) (Human Relations, Volume 39, Issue 12).

Isn’t it wonderful that we have a tool to help us deal with the every increasing level of stress in our lives? It is even better that now we can share it with our children.
Cari Shurman, M.A.T.